Calle J. Brookes's Blog: Read More from Calle J. Brookes

I know it’s been a while…

It’s been a very stressful five months since I was in the ER. (It’ll be six months in a week or so). I am physically recovered, for the most part. I did have some nerve damage that took over four months to heal. It did leave a few lasting issues that may or may not clear up over time. I simply cannot sit and stare at a computer screen for more than two hours at a time. And no more than three hours per day. That is very limiting, when I am trying to write (or do anything, grrr!). I also have a bit more trouble concentrating than before (which was already a major problem since…ADHD), and I do get very tired.

But I am getting better! I am worlds beyond where I was in March. Then, I couldn’t concentrate for even half an hour to work.

I have some strategies in place for the limits on the writing–namely, using dictation when I can and using a word processor from the 1990s that has a 2-inch screen. That’s my preferred method, at this point. I also rest when I need to. Everything was just caused by some sort of random bacterial infection that affected a nerve in my neck/ear area–it just came out of nowhere, I didn’t feel ill, and had no previous symptoms. It just happened. I still get blurry vision from it (which…surprise! I’ve had blurry vision for years!). And the extra problems with attention and focus–well, I’ve always had ADHD, so I do have strategies to deal with that if needed.

I may make a full recovery eventually. Or this may be as good as it gets. At this point, I’m just glad to be getting a new routine going and feeling productive again (and have been cleared to practice softball with the kid. that was a big thing for us!). The inability to predict how long something will take me to write now is driving me crazy! Everything seems to take twice as long as I originally planned. But I’m getting back on track now.

Of course…some of my problem getting things done has…four paws. And big brown eyes. He demands tons of attention–and thinks his name is Nono/stopthat/badboi/donoteatthecat. He likes to eat a snack in the afternoon, though, and tucks himself into his bed for a two hour afternoon nap. That is my most productive time of the day. He’s six months old now, bigger than Jasper the Beagle, and almost as big as Freyja the Border Collie. He’s a complete ball of menace at all times. He’s the fifth border collie I’ve had in 25 years, and they are all so different from each other (although this little monster acts the most like Libby, the BC I lost last year at the age of 18). He’s adorable. But a lot of work!

On to the important stuff. Book stuff! Grady’s book, #7 of the Hillers series, is out now! A little later than I anticipated, but only by a few weeks. So…I am thrilled with that. Greer’s book is the final book in the Hillers series. They were a lot of fun to write! I’m hoping to have Greer’s book out in September. And Madison/Dom from the Finley Creek series sometime this year. I know Mads/Dom are a lot later than I planned, but…Finleys are incredibly complex books for me to write, and I am behind on it. Because I want to get it right. I may have a few other things coming out by the end of the year, as well. I will keep you all posted, when I know more.

And…I am in the process of the final rewrite on one of the PNRs. Jason and Anna’s story has changed a great deal; it just never really felt right to me. It’s the same general storyline, but there have been significant revisions. I will be putting it up on my website, for previous readers (and those who just want a free PNR read!) to download for one week. After that, it’ll go up on the retailers as an all new listing. I’ll share more details when it’s ready. After that, as soon as I can get the new covers finished, expect the rest of the PNR to be re-released sometime very soon!

I have been having some trouble with my email newsletter service. For one thing, they keep raising the prices, until it is now over $600 a year to send emails. Since I rarely send emails in general–less than 2-3 per year, only with important news, etc.–I am switching to a different provider. Years ago I purchased a lifetime access to a different, no-frills, email service provider. So it is already paid for, forever. I will try to send out an updated email from that provider sometime really soon. If you receive an email from me and you don’t want to remain on the new list, please feel free to unsubscribe, as I do not want to spam anyone. If you want to sign up, I will have a link on the website very soon. I am also going to be making some significant changes to the website (migrating from my current host service to another, and merging the PNR with the RS to make things easier to manage) when I have a break of time to work on it.

Hillers # 7. I had a lot of fun writing this one. It had a little bit of enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, and best friends older brother mixed together. The Hillers have always just been a part of Hala’s life. And Grumpy Grady…was the most exasperating man on the planet–to Hala. But when they realized they had feelings for each other, it opened up so many possibilities. Because Hala did trust him, and always had. That really mattered to her, too.

HALA HANAN WAS BACK. AND THAT MEANT TROUBLE—ESPECIALLY FOR GRADY HILLER.

He’d had his fill of watching over his baby sister’s closest friend years ago. He’d enjoyed the peace when she left for college. But Hala was back now, filling in for the retired kindergarten teacher at Value Elementary.

Hala was back. And Grady almost swore she’d brought the sun with her. But he wasn’t going to tell her how she made him feel. She deserved a better man than Grady Hiller would ever be.

HILLER BROTHERS WERE THE HOTTEST MEN IN THE COUNTY.

Hala had noticed that long ago. Grumpy Grady was the most beautiful of the bunch. Too bad he had the soul of a rotten troll—especially where she was concerned. They had been squabbling since childhood. She didn’t see that changing anytime soon.

Except now he was telling her she was beautiful. That he’d missed her laughter. That she didn’t have to be afraid with him. Promising he’d never hurt her, while he held her close.

And now he was kissing her beneath the stars…

Her best friend’s brother had just changed everything between them. And Hala liked it. But then he claimed he wasn’t good enough for a woman like her. What was up with that? He was one of the best men she knew…

Now Hala had to show him the truth. He didn’t have to be afraid to be the man he was. He was perfect exactly as he was. Perfect for her. And Hala wanted her Hiller man forever.

But no one is ever truly safe. And that is a lesson this kindergarten teacher is about to learn the hard way…

Amazon. Amazon UK. Kobo. Apple. Nook. Google Play. Smashwords. (I will update with links to Apple/Nook when they go live!).

I finally got Gunn’s book out!

It was a wild ride. I’m still not fully 100%. The first two weeks after my surprise visit to the ER I was really cloudy-headed. I absolutely hate being unable to think. It about drove me crazy.

Gunn’s book actually ended up being way longer than I had anticipated, too. It’s about fifty pages longer than the other Hiller books, but once I got started writing it–and brought in secondary characters from the PAVAD series–the story just needed more room to be told. (Characters came from Gathering and Hiding, if you’ve not read them yet. Hiding is currently free at Amazon!).

I’m now working on Madison and Dom’s Finley Creek story, and Gia is next on the Hiller list. I don’t have dates for either of those yet. I’m still not up to a full work day yet. Getting there, just not quite where I want to be.

Anyway…

Here’s Gunn’s book! Like I said, it got way more complicated than I anticipated!

HIS SISTER’S BEST FRIEND BLINDSIDED HIM.

Reverend Gunn Hiller isn’t prepared for the instant connection he feels with Ayla Fisher, his sister’s close friend. Quirky, funny, loyal, loving, and definitely possessing no filters, Ayla knocks him right off his feet the instant they meet. He just wasn’t expecting a woman like her. No woman has ever fascinated him more. But Gunn’s a bit more than rusty at the dating thing. It’s time for him to come up with a plan.


WHAT DOES SHE DO WITH A MAN LIKE HIM?

Ayla’s never dated. She always assumed she’d figure it out when the time came. At twenty-three, she’s still got plenty of time for romance—around physical therapy appointments, volunteering at the library, and keeping an eye on her two besties and her big sister, who just keeps getting into trouble, right? He’s not the type to pick up a romance novel. But when he’s nearby, she’s pretty sure she needs a fan and a distraction. Why does her skin burn when he brushes against her? Why do his hazel eyes make her think he’s seeing the real her when no one ever has?

They both know something incredible is happening between them. They’re going to take some time to figure it out.


TIME MIGHT BE SOMETHING THEY JUST DON’T HAVE.

Gunn’s best friend is in town asking questions about a cult that came too close years ago—and now danger isn’t just back.
It’s closing in.

And Ayla just might pay the price…

You can find the book at Amazon now. Kobo is also live! I’m still waiting for links to the other sites. It’s also available at my Shopify store. (Please excuse how messy my store looks. I was actually in the middle of building it the day I ended up in the ER! I am working on it next week).

I’ll update with links as they go live!

Well. Don’t you just love it when your going along according to plan and a little “bump” in the road completely derails you? This week was my little “bump”. For the first time in fourteen years I ended up in the ER. Now, I have one eye taped, half my face is numb, I can’t talk well, and I can’t focus my other eye (it’s my bad eye, anyway). I’m probably not going to be doing much computer work for at least a week. (And softball practice with kid is out for a few days too )

It’s taken me until Saturday morning to even be able to see the computer.

I was in the finishing stages of Gunn/Ayla’s book (Hiller #5), with the intentions of releasing it tomorrow. That is unfortunately not going to happen. I am probably going to have to move it back to next Thursday or Friday; hopefully I’ll be able to actually see the computer screen well enough to do the last few things that need done by Monday or Tuesday.

I was also in the process of finishing up a new Storm Story, but that is also on hold at this time.

I don’t really know how well I will take to not being able to work for a full week (or longer–I am already going crazy!), especially since I can’t read anything right now. (I predict a lot of audiobook listening over the next few days). I do not sit still very well at all. I’ll probably drive the family insane!

One last note, if you haven’t grabbed a copy yet, Hiller #1 (The Risk) is currently still $1.99–$1.69 on my new (in-progress) webstore—for another week. On 3/13 it does go up to $3.79. Hopefully, I’ll get Gunn out by Thursday/Friday of next week. After that, it’s Giavonna, Grady, and Greer’s turns!

And early this summer, barring any sudden “little bumps”, Madison and Dom will get their story told! (And a new Season is in the works, and I am working on Auggie and Marin and Claudia’s books now (or, it may be Auggie then Claudia then Marin–just depends on their stories, lol).

Anyway, just wanted to give you all a little update!

Here’s a link to the newly updated webstore. I’m finally getting it rebuilt, so I can offer better deals than the retailers, and things that won’t really be financially feasible to put up on Amazon or Apple, like shorter works or special bundles. I still need to get Bailey and Zoey up on there, and all of the Seasons and the Case Files. I was in the process of doing that before I ended up in the ER. The webstore is being customized and laid out and reorganized, still. But hopefully next week it’ll be exactly as I want it!

(On a seriously funny note, though, I looked over at the wall chart in the ER–my attending physician was a Dr. Patel. I thought that was hilarious! so…here’s a link to Virat Patel’s novella. It’s still a freebie! https://lostriverbooksales.com/products/before-the-rain-breaks-ebook).

There…is a white rabbit currently hanging out in my spare bathroom. It just got too cold out there last week, and…now there is a white rabbit living in my bathroom—temporarily. He’s a hilarious little creature, but someone probably needs to explain to him that he’s supposed to be terrified of dogs. He shows no fear of them at all. They don’t seem all that interested in him, either. Freyja the Border Brat is more interested in the cat. And the beagle…that dude just wants food. He doesn’t care about the rabbit in his territory at all.

They are all very entertaining. 

It was far too cold to go out to my “shedquarters” (my she-shed where I do most of my work), so I’ve been working in the house. My goal is for us to move to a larger house this year, with genuine office space inside the house for me. I need more space! And…a sewing room, lol.

Anyway…down to the goodies!

George’s book, Hillers #4, is available everywhere now! This book was hilarious to write—I got to flash back 11-12 years. Seeing a “young” Cam and Murdoch in action was particularly funny, as I tried to imagine what they would have been doing so long ago. The next book in the Hiller list is Gunn’s story. He is such a sweetheart, and was so cute in George’s book. I’m hoping it will be ready in February, but I’m not sure yet. 

Anyway, here’s a bit more about George and Ronnie: 

ONE NIGHT. ONE BABY. ONE CASE THAT COULD RUIN EVERYTHING.

George Hiller is always in control. Or at least he was until his law clerk, Veronica Lake, upended his life—with two little pink lines. Now, George has to prove he’s the man for her—before their little bundle of joy makes their appearance.

George needs a plan.

There’s just one problem: Ronnie Lake doesn’t follow plans. Especially George’s.

Ronnie’s spent her life keeping her butthead big brothers—Cam, Murdoch, and Anthony—in line. She’s not about to let man-in-charge Gorgeous George bulldoze his way into her future, no matter how bossy he is. And she absolutely refuses to be his ‘right thing to do!’ here, either!

Sure, George’s steady declarations of love—and the ridiculously hot way he is the only one to ever call her Veronica—make him harder to resist than she’d like to admit.

But her trio of brothers? They’re starting to rumble loud enough to shake the town and that’s the least of Ronnie and George’s worries now.

A case gone bad has brought real trouble. As secrets unravel and lives hang in the balance, they’ll have to decide if love—and a little chaos—is worth fighting for.

Because one surprise baby, three cranky Lake brothers, a little teenage Hiller sister chaos, and sudden danger from a judge with a grudge—that was never part of the plan…

WRITING NEWS:

I’m finishing up Gunn’s book, and then it’s Giavonna’s, in the Hillers series. And my ‘main’ project is Madison and Dom. I have also started Charlotte and Daniel’s book, the fourth/final in the Finley Creek TSP: Enemies Within mini-series. I am in the initial planning stage for another 4-book miniseries, featuring Cara, Hope, Summer, and Heather. Tentatively, it’s going to be called Finley Creek: Cold Legacy, and will delve deeply into Coleson history. Heather keeps taunting me, and has since I first created her in Zoey’s book. That woman’s story is going to be explosive, and with a man like Mac Barratt—is that really a surprise? (The rest of the Colesons will get their stories told, too! Just in a spin-off series). After Cold Legacy will be the final Finley Creek miniseries, featuring Pen, Grace, Crispin, Jo-Jo…and of course…Sydney! That series will be called Finley Creek: Children of Secrets. 

In PAVAD news, I am hard at work on Jac and Micah and some Case Files special projects featuring Miranda and Knight. Hopefully, I’ll be able to release some information about that soon. I do know there will be at least 1-2 PAVAD related works releasing in 2025.

And, as soon as I can get to it, I’ll be putting out 1-3 more of the PNR relaunches. I really hope together the rest of the paranormals out again soon!

OTHER NEWS:

I am working hard on getting the entire catalog in paperbacks, and in building a direct store where I can offer better prices than Amazon and the other retailers. I’ll also have other products on the direct store, such as short stories that I can’t price less than .99 on major retailers. I also offer special edition ebooks on some titles, with bonus chapters. I’m planning on digitally narrated audio versions of my titles to make them more accessible as well!

It’s here! About a week later than I anticipated, but book three in the Hillers series is live (everywhere but Apple. They are the slowpokes this time). 

I’ve been working like a lunatic this week—nothing else to do, trapped here in the house because of snow, and the fact that our road is literally the last one in the county they clear. The hubs was able to get out and get groceries, but I do not go anywhere when it is this cold. 

Brrr. 

I am in the process of prepping a few of the PNRs for relaunch. One is just a cleaned up edited version, updated, that kind of thing. The other is a massive rewrite. Once it’s finished, I’ll be putting it up as a new title (Amazon’s rules, not mine). But for previous readers, they’ll be up as a free download via my website. I’ll share links when they are ready.

Other things I am working on (besides lots and lots of Hillers) are Finley #15, Madison’s book, and the next PAVAD project. (Watch for more details soon about PAVAD!) 

Everyone stay warm and safe out there, and enjoy the next book in the Hillers series!

Amazon

Google

Kobo

Nook

Directly from me. 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS AREN’T ALWAYS RIGHT.

Dr. Guthrie Hiller thinks Dr. Aubrey Fisher, head of the Barratt County ER, is a stuck-up icicle, too cold to care about anyone. He doesn’t understand why his little sister calls Aubrey her closest friend. But one night changes everything. Guthrie sees the truth: this woman cares deeply-she’s just too scared to show it.

Now, he can’t get her out of his head.

Aubrey Fisher has endured more loss than most can imagine, and it makes her stronger-or so she tells herself. All she wants is a stable life for herself and the sister she’s raised. But someone is threatening everything, and her best friend’s infuriating older brother might be the only one who can protect her.

Loss leaves scars, and trusting a man again is the hardest chance Aubrey can take. But nothing stops a Hiller. Guthrie is determined to prove he’s the man to stand by her side, and she just might let him in.

If Aubrey can survive running the ER at BCGH first…

Well, like most of 2024 I was behind on the Christmas novella. I did not know it would get finished this year, so…I guess since I planned on it releasing next Christmas, I’m actually early, right? 

I think I am stretching a little bit, honestly, lol.

Anyway, the Christmas novella “If You Remember When” is up on Amazon, and it went live on Apple a few minutes ago. Kobo, Google, and Barnes & Noble, too! 

It’s December 1910, and Coleson, Texas is buzzing. A new hospital is being built just north of town, by none other than Dr. Iagan Coleson himself. 

But Dr. Coleson is not doing it alone.

Dr. Oscar Collins lives for medicine. At thirty-two, he’s brilliant, accomplished, and utterly bored with life. He wants something new—a legacy. 

So when his best friend, Dr. Iagan Coleson, calls him to Coleson Hollow days before Christmas, Oscar leaves his shiny automobile behind and rides into the Texas countryside, ready to embrace progress. 

It doesn’t take Oscar long to realize he’s been duped. The promise of building a new hospital? Just a lure. Iagan has a bigger scheme in mind. 

Four orphaned women, newly arrived from Scotland, are under Iagan’s care. 

In a county where women are few and men are rich, matchmaking is practically a sport—and Iagan has his eye on Oscar as the perfect player. Wealthy, respected, and single, Oscar is everything a matrimony-minded young lady could want. 

Talk about feeling hunted!

But Beatrice Ardis, youngest of the Colesons’ houseguests, is no damsel waiting for rescue. She’s been looking after herself since a mining disaster stole her family at fifteen. Moving to America with her friends was supposed to be about freedom and new choices, not becoming a project for Iagan—or a puzzle for Dr. Oscar Collins. 

Beatrice can’t decide if the arrogant, too-handsome doctor is trying to help her or insult her, but she knows one thing: she won’t let him see how much his attention rattles her.

Oscar is equally puzzled. Beatrice isn’t what he expected. There’s a fire to her independence, a sharpness he can’t ignore. And everything about her is just…fascinating. 

For the first time in years, he isn’t bored. 

But when an old enemy of Oscar’s resurfaces, it’s Beatrice who may just pay the price.

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/if-you-remember-when/id6740037831

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZ1KDPG/

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Calle_J_Brookes_If_You_Remember_When?id=jk87EQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/if-you-remember-when

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-you-remember-when-calle-j-brookes/1146768734

It is set in 1910 Garrity County, Texas. (Where Clay and Bailey, Caine and Nikkie Jean, and the Hillers all live!). I have not done very many historicals, but I really enjoyed writing this one. (I know I say that about all my books, but I got to research a time period I’ve not done a lot of reading about, so I found it very interesting). It was also a lot of fun to see Coleson “ancestors”. I enjoyed planning out a family tree for Bonnie

It is also available as an extended edition direct on my new website. I am still in the process of building the shopify store, and it looks a little rough over there. I hope to have all of my books up on the shopify store within the next month, but I do have 50+ titles to upload. It’s going to take a while. But the new book is there!

The extended edition features an intro chapter and a closing chapter with Samia Coleson and Anthony Lake. It will only ever be available as a direct purchase; the bonus edition won’t end up on any of the retailers. You can grab it here!

Tonight, I’m spending NYE celebrating with the kid. She had been planning on a party at a local softball facility but decided she didn’t really want to go. One of her buddies is sick tonight, so she’s busy texting him annoying messages right now. 

The husband…poor guy. I can’t remember the last time he made it to midnight on NYE! We’ve been together 20 years and I think he has hit midnight twice in that entire time—and those were when he worked third shift. Night owl he is not!

Me, I’m almost always up until 3 am. I do a lot of my writing really late. No writing tonight, though! Kid and I have big plans now!

Anyway, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year! May 2025 bring you all you hope for!

Happy New Year,

Calle

And because I just can’t resist (and I don’t ever share pics of the hubs or kid or myself for privacy reasons), our fur monsters say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I wanted to wish everyone a quick Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, if you celebrate. We did the whole “making the rounds” thing today. It is super exhausting, but worth it. Kiddo is now crashed out on the loveseat (I am still not sure why she isn’t on the couch…but…my house is QUIET! And it isn’t even 8 pm yet!)

She also celebrated her 14th birthday this week. It does not seem possible that she’s 14. It really doesn’t. I’m hoping to spend as much time enjoying the next four years with her as I possibly can. (If we don’t clobber each other first. There is nothing more terrifying than a hormonal teenage girl who knows everything!)

I’m still recovering.

On the home front…

No one claimed the rabbit. The rabbit got Christmas presents. Apparently, it is now OUR rabbit.

He/She? (we haven’t figured that part out yet) is getting a better rabbit hutch as soon as Hubs can get the truck over to Rural King to get it home. She utterly adores that little thing, and is taking care of it entirely on her own. So…I guess instead of the frog I was planning to get her, she got a rabbit instead. O.0

Now, we are all going to just sit back and relax!

I did do a few Christmas stories and I’m linking to the collection here. It features 3 stories, two are flashbacks, and one is my “attempt” at some Wonkus McBubbles Christmas fun. One day, when I have tons of free time, I hope to do a fully illustrated version. Or…hire someone to illustrate. It just depends.

I also have one Christmas story that turned out to be WAY longer than I anticipated–over 40,000 words long! It started off last year and I’d play with it over the last twelve months. A line in last year’s Christmas story (You’ve Found the Stars) triggered it. I found I just had to tell it! (If you missed last year’s Christmas stories, they are available again. More information is down below!)

So…this new book is set in 1910 Coleson Hollow, and will be a part of the Finley Creek: Vintage book series when it goes live. I do hope to eventually write more historical Finley Creek novels. You know, after I clone myself!

I was a week later than I anticipated getting it ready for publication–I blame sudden softball practices in the middle of December when I was expecting January!–so am putting up the BONUS EDITION tonight as a free download for the next three days.

Sometime this week or next (depends on holiday retailer schedules, honestly), the regular version will be live on Amazon/other retailers for purchase.

The regular version is just the historical romance, with no intro/closing set in present day Finley Creek.

The BONUS EDITION, which will be available only through my website store (I’m working on the store this week), is the same historical romance, but features intro and closing chapters with Dr. Anthony Lake and Dr. Samia Coleson. You can get a free copy of the bonus edition by downloading direct at the following link. The Bonus Edition link expires 12/29, as it is a very limited time offer. The Christmas Time is Here collection expires 1/31/25! (As does the Christmas In Finley Creek!)

For now, Merry Christmas and please enjoy Christmas Time is Here and If You Remember When!

*********IF YOU MISSED LAST YEAR’S CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, IT’LL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR A FEW DAYS!

As always, thanks for reading! I hope the rest of your 2024 is filled with great things, and 2025 brings even more wonderful things! (and watch for more info on the next Hiller book The Chance sometime next week. I’m still working on getting the release date figured out!)

Merry Christmas,

C.J.

Well. I actually forgot what day it was. It has been chaos, like always around here. Schedule changes, that kind of thing. And…well…

A rogue white rabbit seems to have taken up residency under our front porch. White rabbits hopping around free in southern Indiana…uh…No. Just doesn’t happen.

So I am trying to catch the white rabbit that we have named Van Illa VonTurd. (The VonTurd was because he’s a feisty rabbit and VonTurd is a nice version of what I really wanted to name him.) He’s living under the porch, but will spend a lot of his day under our RV. Except, a truck went by today and sent him running back under our porch. The porch is right next to where the dogs go outside. So that could be a real problem; we’re not letting Freyja and Jasper outside alone until we catch him. 

He waits until I walk away and then will hop around after me. He’s obviously a pet bunny (or possibly a livestock bunny, we do live in farm country). He’s not even afraid of dogs, that we can tell. (Or she…, we aren’t sure yet).

I was able to touch the bunny yesterday, before the little beast hopped away. 

We do live in the midst of a forest, and with the predators out here—yes, I am trying to capture the bunny. I can’t let him (or her) fend for himself. 

But as for today—

It’s release day for The Hillers of Barratt County Book 2. It is live everywhere—including Apple and Nook. (Book 1 The Risk finally went live last night, after the delay with Nook and Barnes and Noble.) It features the nurse Genny who made a few appearances in the Finley Creek and Small-Town Sheriffs series–and Dr. Chad Fields. Chad is the younger brother of Major Crimes detective Charlie Fields (who got his story in Never Chasing Charlie).

HE COULD JUST GO BACK TO WHERE HE CAME FROM!

She still does. Just in an entirely different way than she ever has before. Now he wants to show her that he’s the kind of man a passionate woman like her deserves. He is a man with a plan, and he’s ready to hunt his prey.

ER Nurse Genny Hiller has always kept Dr. Chad Fields at arm’s length, avoiding the jerk masquarading as her best friend’s older brother. He’s always looking at her like she’s a melodramatic screwup. She’s used to steering clear of his arrogant know-it-all presence, but now, Dr. Chad-wicked Fields seems to be around every corner.

Chad has always been protective of the Hiller sisters living next door to his parents. They were his closest friends’ younger sisters and good friends with his little sister, too, after all. But middle sister Genny has always gotten right under his skin.

But someone else wants Genny. And he will stop at nothing to get what he deserves…

Even going through the people standing in his way…

If you preordered The Hunt, you should have already gotten your copy autodelivered. If you didn’t preorder, you can grab it at the following places:

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-hunt-169

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Calle_J_Brookes_The_Hunt?id=w_IyEQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hunt-calle-j-brookes/1146635606

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DNRTRQML

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-hunt/id6738998992 (Please note, that is NOT my audiobook attached to the ebook. Apple has done that in error and I am working to get that fixed.)

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1658582

For those who missed book 1, it is still $1.99 (for now, that’s a temporary price). 

It finally went live everywhere after that very irritating delay, thanks to the distributor.

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-risk-13

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Calle_J_Brookes_The_Risk?id=sWwyEQAAQBAJ&hl=en_US

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-risk-calle-j-brookes/1146635610

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DNRL3LM7

Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-risk/id6738998646

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1658576

I am hard at work at getting book 3 The Chance up for preorder by early next week. It features obstetrician Guthrie Hiller—hottest catch at Barratt County Gen—and Dr. Aubrey Fisher, a woman with a lot of secrets and hurts. I’ll post release information for it very soon!

(And watch for some Christmas stories on the blog, as well. I just don’t have dates yet!)

Well, an update on what’s going on with Apple/Nook/Smashwords for the new books. I am definitely not pleased, but I am starting to calm down. 

I spent a few hours yesterday trying to figure out what is going on with Apple and Nook and the distributor before I had to take kiddo to her softball lesson. (By that point I needed to throw things myself! Softball comes in surprisingly handy in this business, lol).  I ended up having to delist both book 1 and book 2 of the series, and will most likely have to start an entirely new listing for each. I never did get an actual answer. I have never had problems with this distributor before, but after their “customer service” yesterday, I am seriously considering not using them at all going forward and just uploading directly to both Apple and Nook.

I’m so sorry for the issue! Because of the holiday delays, it looks like this won’t be fixed until the middle of next week (or later). I truly appreciate your patience while we work on it.

In the meantime, you can still get the first book on your iPad or Nook by following these steps. (It works for an actual live book, but I don’t know that it would for a pre-order title).

I didn’t actually know how to do this, but I figured it out, lol. (I’m a dedicated iPad girl—that 12.9 inch screen comes in handy when you have to use the big type like I do!)

Downloading from Google Play

Buy the EPUB from Google Play. 

On your computer or phone, go to Google Play Books and find The Risk. (Or click here

Download the EPUB file. 

On your Google Play Books library, click the three dots next to the book and select “Download EPUB.”

Transfer to Your iPad: 

Open the Apple Books app on your iPad.

Drag and drop the EPUB file into your iPad using AirDrop or email it to yourself and open the file in Apple Books.

Transfer to Your Nook: 

Connect your Nook to your computer with a USB cable.

Drag the EPUB file into the “Books” folder on your Nook. Safely eject, and you’re ready to read!

Downloading from Kobo

Buy the EPUB from Kobo. 

Go to Kobo’s website and find The Risk. (Or click here:)

Download the EPUB file. 

In your Kobo library, click Download under the book’s cover.

Transfer to Your iPad: 

Same steps as above: drag and drop or email it to open in Apple Books.

Transfer to your Nook: 

Use a USB cable to move the EPUB into the “Books” folder on your Nook.

To thank you for your patience, The Risk will stay at $1.99 instead of going up to $2.99 like I originally planned. Probably until 12/5, the release date of Book 2 in the series. I’m also working hard on creating a direct store through Shopify. This means you’ll be able to buy my books directly from me (again)! I expect the store to be live before the release of The Hunt on 12/5. 

Once again, I apologize for the inconvenience. I was so frustrated yesterday I just finished dealing with customer service, threw together some cranberry oatmeal cookies (still trying to perfect my egg-free recipe, though) and then took the spawn to her softball lesson. I had to walk away from the computer for my own sanity!

For those of you in the US, I want to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, if you celebrate. We’re staying home for this one this year and going to just enjoy being together before the rush of Christmas. 

Also, PARANORMAL fans. Watch for the relaunch of Kennera’s book & Jierra’s book in December. And a strongly revised Anna’s book! (Anna’s book was so heavily revised that according to Amazon’s rules, it’ll require a new ISBN. I’ll be putting it up as a free download on the website for the first week, for those who are previous readers—or those who just want a copy, lol.) The other two books will be the same ISBN as previously purchased, just listed as a new edition. Amazon should send the updated file to all who purchased them before. I have a few minor things to do to each book before I can relaunch them. 

For the first time in 2 years I have something entirely new to launch. It is definitely a spin-off (of the PAVADs & Finleys, mostly).

I have finally finished a project I have been working on for several years. I generally work on one or two main books at a time especially PAVADs and Finley Creeks, but I always do “warm up” writing before I get really involved. These “warm ups” are fun stories that aren’t a part of my main series. When I get stuck on the other books (especially the Finleys—those books are incredibly hard for me to write!) I’ll work on these warm-ups until I get unstuck. 

(That is where the Masterson County series first originated! Phoebe was an “I’m stuck!” kind of book that just sort of…spiraled out of control, lol. Watch for more Mastersons in 2025, btw!)

Now, I am on to the Hillers of Barratt County. Barratt County first came into existence during PAVAD and the Finley Creek series. Cam Lake, the hero of Hiding, and his heroine Kyra Dillon both came from the Barratt County area (Cam, came from Barrattville, and Kyra from Value). I will admit, while writing that book I absolutely fell in love with Barratt County. I knew that the hero of Finley Creek’s The Price of Silence (Houghton Barratt) also came from the county named after his ancestors. And I knew Houghton had cousins, including the mayor of Finley Creek. And well, Cam’s brother-in-law—George—was the mayor of tiny Value, Texas.

Value was the setting of Bailey’s book Holding the Truth (Small-Town Sheriff’s #1, featuring TSP deputy Bailey Moore and Houghton’s cousin Clay Addy). Then George’s siblings started just randomly popping up in other books. The nurse that helps Nikkie Jean in the opening of Finley Creek Lost in the Wind (who also helps Sydney that day at the Value Elementary School in Hearing Her Cries, Zoey and Murdoch’s book) somehow ended up being George’s younger sister! Even Dylan Talley brushes up against the super-hot identical Hiller brothers Gunn and Grady in her book, Masterson County #12!

And there are a lot more siblings in the Hiller batch—there are eight Hiller siblings in total. Each one of them—including George—gets their stories told in this new Western romantic suspense novella series. This series is different from my others, which are open-ended (I don’t know how many books will be in each series when I start).

The Hillers of Barratt County series will consist of only 8 novellas (and 1 short story featuring a side character that I have just had to write, lol). 

Each book is slightly connected to the others, especially the ones that come immediately before and right after. Each book is between 150-200 pages long and is a complete story (no cliffhangers). They all feature characters you’ve already seen before—in PAVAD books, in Finley Creek books, in Masterson County books, and in the Seasons books. 

Book One: In The Risk, weaver Chantal Fields comes up against violent enemies of her cop older brother. When her life is on the line, only rancher Gene Hiller can save her. Gene—the one neighbor she tried to avoid at all costs. Now, she has no choice but to put her faith in the one man she has never trusted. (Chantal is the much younger sister of TSP Detective Charlie Fields, from Seasons #4).

Book Two: In The Hunt, ER nurse Genny Hiller has always tried to steer clear of Dr. Chad Fields, her best friend’s annoying older brother—until he decides he wants her and begins an intense, protective pursuit as someone with a dangerous obsession targets her. (Genny is the nurse who first helps Nikkie Jean in Finley Creek #9).

Book Three: In The Chance, Dr. Guthrie Hiller’s view of his colleague Aubrey Fisher is upended when a conspiracy at Barratt County General throws them together, revealing a fierce connection neither expected—and an enemy that threatens them both. (Aubrey is Dr. Caine Alvaro’s assistant in Finley Creek #9).

Book Four: In The Plan, George Hiller anxiously waits for news as his pregnant wife, Ronnie, undergoes emergency surgery with their fifth pregnancy. Flashing back to their fiery beginning nine years earlier, he reflects on the love that changed his entire world—and the future he’s determined to protect. (George adores his wife—the younger sister of Cam Lake—PAVAD Hiding, and Murdoch Lake—Small-Town Sheriffs #2. George makes guest appearances in several other books.)

Book Five: In The Truth, Pastor Gunn Hiller falls hard for Ayla Fisher, his sister’s friend with a painful past, but when a jealous admirer threatens their future, Gunn steps in to protect the woman who has brought him unexpected joy. 

Book Six: In The Prey prosecutor Giavonna Hiller finds her world shaken when her determined boss, Hudson Hanan, pushes his way into her life as they face a shared threat that forces Gia to confront her deepest fears. (Hudson is the cousin of Micah Hanan. Micah is the hero of the next PAVAD book, currently in the works.)

Book Seven: In The Fear, rancher Grady Hiller, struggling with past regrets, finds purpose when he steps in to protect Hala Hanan, his sister’s friend, from a dangerous admirer, discovering in the process that love may be his path to redemption. (Hala is also Micah’s cousin! Micah was first introduced in Hiding.)

Book Eight: In The Chase, social worker Greer Hiller never imagined she’d be carrying Kurtland Chase’s revenge baby, but with enemies circling, Kurt is determined to protect her—and prove he wants her for more than just payback against her brother. (Kurt was first introduced in Bailey’s book, Holding the Truth, Small-Town Sheriffs #1).

Book 1, The Risk, is now available for preorder, at a special preorder price of $1.99. It releases on Nov. 22 (***There seems to be a problem with the distributor. The book is not yet available on Apple or Nook. I’m not sure what the hold up is yet, but I have created a support ticket.)

Book 2, The Hunt, is also available for preorder at $3.89. It will release Dec. 5th. (Currently, it is available at Amazon, Kobo, and Google Play. I am not sure what the hold up is with Nook and Apple. I’ll update when they are live).

Book 3, The Chance, will be available for preorder on Dec. 5th!

After that, I’m not entirely certain of the release frequency—each novella will release 3-4 weeks after the previous, and be priced at $3.89. 

For a sneak peek of The Risk, you can visit this page here: